About the song
The Browns, a family trio known for their harmonies and heartfelt performances, delivered a timeless classic with their 1959 hit, “Three Bells.” This poignant ballad, originally a French song titled “Les Trois Cloches,” has become a beloved standard in country music, captivating audiences with its haunting melody and evocative lyrics.
The song’s intro sets the stage with a mournful, minor-key melody that immediately draws the listener in. The Browns’ harmonies, rich and resonant, add depth and emotion to the song, creating a sense of longing and melancholy. The lyrics, translated from French, tell the story of three friends who are separated by fate. The song’s central theme of loss and separation is universal, resonating with listeners across generations.
One of the song’s most memorable aspects is the haunting refrain, “Three bells, three bells, how they toll, for the souls of the lost, for the wandering souls.” This repetitive phrase serves as a powerful reminder of the song’s central theme and creates a sense of foreboding and sadness.
“Three Bells” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and earning a Grammy Award nomination. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal, haunting melody, and the Browns’ heartfelt performances.
Over the years, “Three Bells” has been covered by countless artists, solidifying its status as a classic. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to its quality and the Browns’ enduring talent.
Video
Lyrics
There’s a village hidden deep in the valley
Among the pine trees half forlorn
And there on a Sunny morning
Little Jimmy Brown was born
All the chapel bells were ringing
In the little valley town
And the songs that they were singing
Were for baby Jimmy Brown
Then the little congregation
Prayed for guidance from above
“Lead us not into temptation
Bless this hour of meditation
Guide him with eternal love”
There’s a village hidden deep in the valley
Beneath the mountains high above
And there, twenty years thereafter
Jimmy was to meet his love
All the chapel bells were ringing
Was a great day in his life
‘Cause the songs that they were singing
Were for Jimmy and his wife
Then the little congregation
Prayed for guidance from above
“Lead us not into temptation
Bless oh Lord, this celebration
May their lives be filled with love”
From the village hidden deep in the valley
One rainy morning dark and gray
A soul winged its way to heaven
Jimmy Brown had passed away
Just a lonely bell was ringing
In the little valley town
‘Twas farewell that it was singing
To our good old Jimmy Brown
And the little congregation
Prayed for guidance from above
“Lead us not into temptation
May his soul find the salvation
Of thy great eternal love”